We could learn something from the Indian River Inlet

PORT ARANSAS - In the state of Delaware exists a geographical
feature similar to Packery Channel. The Indian River Inlet is situated
in southern Delaware and it provides Atlantic Ocean access to the
inland bays of Sussex County.

The inlet has large jetties that extend into the ocean. The
recreational uses at this inlet are separated into three distinct
categories, chiefly boating, surf fishing, and a public beach with
various amenities.

North of the inlet there are lands dedicated for surf fishermen.
Vehicles with state surf fishing permits are allowed to drive up to the
edge of the ocean for surf fishing. This area excludes swimmers and
boaters to ensure that the fishermen will not be bothered by these
other competing interests.

The jetties themselves are off limits to fishermen as the inflow and
outflow can be violent at times and a fisherman who slipped into the
channel could find himself out to sea in rapid fashion. Swimmers are
also banned from this area because of this danger. The area in and
around the channel and jetties is the sole province of boaters. Banning
fishermen from the channel also ensures that fishing tackle cannot
become entangled in boat propellers.

South of the inlet there are lands dedicated as a public pedestrian
beach. Here no vehicles are allowed on the beach. Large parking lots
are established for vehicles. Bathhouses with warm showers are also
provided. Lifeguards are also stationed to protect swimmers. Finally,
concessions are also included to cater to the needs of the swimming
public.

Beach usage between the Packery Channel south jetty and Caldwell
Pier could be organized in a similar fashion. The recreational uses of
the beach surrounding Packery Channel could be separated into four
distinct categories: boating, surf fishing, recreational surfing, and
recreational swimming with a pedestrian-only beach. However, to include
vehicles access beaches I would propose that the contiguous beach north
of the channel also be included in any future beach ordinance.

Limiting beach usage to pedestrian-only in an ordinance doesn't go
far enough, as it does not address the other competing recreational
uses of the beach. For every foot of pedestrian-limited beach there
should be an equal foot of beach where vehicle access is guaranteed.
This coupling of pedestrian and vehicle-friendly beaches in the same
ordinance would ensure that vehicles would never be completely banned
from all Corpus Christi beaches. Putting fishermen and swimmers in the
same vicinity is also a recipe for disaster. These uses need to be
separated for safety's sake.

Getting the many competing recreational interests for Corpus Christi
beaches together to compromise on a future ordinance is important.

Crafting a new ordinance that includes and guarantees all
recreational uses is critical. By addressing the concerns of all
citizens a compromise can be crafted and the present enmity concerning
the recently repealed city beach ordinance can be avoided.